(NEWS) MIDSUMMER SCREAM Celebrates 30 Years of “SCREAM” with PARAMOUNT SCARES
Courtesy of Midsummer Scream
As a lifelong horror fan, I've never been more excited for Midsummer Scream than for any other event. Every year, horror fans from around the world gather to celebrate the genre we all love, making it one of the country's biggest and most anticipated horror conventions. From meeting legendary actors and filmmakers to exploring haunted attractions, discovering incredible vendors, and celebrating everything from slashers to the supernatural, the convention has earned a reputation as a must-attend event for horror enthusiasts. Midsummer Scream is presented by David Markland (Co-Founder/Executive Director), Gary Baker (Co-Founder/Executive Producer), Claire Dunlap (Co-Founder/Producer), and Rick West (Co-Founder/Creative Director). Their goal is to showcase the diversity of Southern California’s haunt and horror communities as a welcoming beacon, drawing fans from around the world to converge on Los Angeles for a weekend of excitement, networking, and nonstop spooky fun.
This year is especially meaningful for me because it marks my first official horror convention. After years of interviewing people from all walks of the horror world, reviewing films, and immersing myself in the horror community, I finally get to experience the excitement firsthand. I can't wait to share the journey, meet fellow fans, and see what unforgettable scares and surprises await at my first Midsummer Scream. Things will be even more exciting for me and fellow horror fans with Midsummer Scream’s newest announcement. Here is the info:
FROM THE MIDSUMMER SCREAM PRESS RELEASE:
LONG BEACH, CA — There are certain rules that one must abide by to celebrate a horror franchise as esteemed as Scream... and rule number one is you never, ever miss a reunion this big. In an unprecedented partnership with Paramount Scares, Midsummer Scream is thrilled to announce a massive, weekend-long celebration marking the 30th Anniversary of Wes Craven’s genre-shattering masterpiece.
Creeping into the Long Beach Convention Center from August 7-9, the massive three-day event includes hundreds of spooky vendors, over a dozen haunted experiences inside the Hall of Shadows, and panels, presentations, and performances across seven different stages all weekend long.
The Ultimate Woodsboro Reunion
Horror fans can meet the original survivors and killers of Woodsboro for autographs, selfies, and professional photo-ops throughout the weekend, including:
· Matthew Lillard (Stu Macher)
· Skeet Ulrich (Billy Loomis)
· David Arquette (Dewey Riley)
· Jamie Kennedy (Randy Meeks)
· Lee Waddell (stunt actor), Joseph Whipp (Sheriff Burke), and more!
Courtesy of Midsummer Scream
For those needing something that stabs deeper, an incredibly limited number of fans can book a private meet-and-greet with Roger L. Jackson, the voice of Ghostface himself, record a custom voicemail, or audio greeting. Celebrity photo-ops and the Roger L. Jackson meet-and-greet can be ordered through Pose Photo-Ops here.
Step Inside the Paramount Scares Bradley Video Store
PARAMOUNT SCARES is rewinding to Woodsboro 1996 for SCREAM's 30th anniversary, recreating Bradley Video — the fictional store where the nightmare began — right on the Midsummer Scream floor, with best fright-friends FANGORIA manning the counter old-school style, playing genre expert to help fans dig up hidden gems worth renting instantly. Ghostface photo ops and merch giveaways await anyone brave enough to ask "do you like scary movies?"
Can’t-Miss Weekend Panels
The weekend’s programming is packed with dynamic, heavy-hitting panels that will gut you like a fish:
· Saturday, August 8: Matthew Lillard takes the stage to host the SCREAM 30th Anniversary Panel, promising special guests, wild franchise insights, and plenty of chaotic audience engagement.
· Sunday, August 9: Dive deep into the auditory terror that kept you looking over your shoulder with THE SOUND OF SCREAM. This panel features master horror composer Marco Beltrami, Spencer Charnas (frontman of Ice Nine Kills), Roger L. Jackson, film producer Marianne Maddalena, and music supervisor Ed Gerrard. Together, they will dissect the spine-chilling music, terrifying vocal delivery, and razor-sharp audio that defined the franchise.
Courtesy of Midsummer Scream
An Exclusive Slice of Horror History
In honor of the anniversary, attendees can snag a special Midsummer Scream edition of Fangoria Magazine, available only at the show. Featuring a blood-pumping cover starring Ghostface, this collector’s item is packed with archival articles, deep dives, and retrospective looks at Midsummer Scream’s 2026 guest line-up.
Courtesy of Midsummer Scream
Don’t Get Woozy! Admission Will Sell Out Soon!
"Weekend" and "Gold Bat VIP" passes have already been slashed to zero and are completely sold out. If you want to make it to the final credits, you need to move fast and visit midsummerscream.com as single-day passes are on the verge of selling out next.
Midsummer Scream has been on my horror “bucket of blood” list for years, and the fact that my first visit coincides with such a massive celebration of one of my all-time favorite horror franchises makes the experience even more special. Whether you're a lifelong “Scream” fan, a haunt enthusiast, or simply someone who loves everything horror (like yours truly here), this year's convention looks like it's going to be one for the history books. I'll be there every step of the way, covering the event for my podcast “I Love Horror”, and I can't wait to share everything I experience with all of you. See you in Long Beach!
Whether it’s slashers in the woods, ghosts in the attic, or killers in the cornfield, ILHM Reviews brings you the frightful horror flick recommendations worth watching. Follow us on Instagram, be sure to listen to the "I Love Horror" podcast, and remember that if you’re a true fan of horror, every night can be a FRIGHT NIGHT!
